Definition: (1) taking advantage of conditions that are favorable to the attainment of a goal; open to success; (2) able to view difficulty as an opportunity
Metaphors:
• Today’s stumbling blocks are tomorrow’s stepping stones.
• Regrets are temptations fulfilled or opportunities unfulfilled. Learn from both.
Quote: When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. — Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) Scottish-Canadian Inventor
Observation: Problem solvers and risk takers are opportunistic.
Suggestion: If you are not experiencing any difficulties, then appreciate this peaceful time with thankfulness. If your life becomes too placid, you will be happier if you choose to extend yourself with a challenge. When your life is too hectic, take the opportunity to relax. Difficulties can be seen as blessings and hardships as opportunities; each can be an occasion to acquire some positive personal qualities.
Admonition: You rarely regret the positive things you try. You only regret the things you wish you had done.
If you regret what you have done, then at least you’ve done it and had not been scared away from a difficult but desirable situation. Then again, the regret may be, as often is the case, not the fact of the action but the immature way or imperfect manner in which you attempted it. Forgiveness and reflective thought are the transforming mechanisms which can change regret into a positive learning process (even if all you’ve learned is that you don’t want to do it again).